AFCON 2023: Fulham Show Love to Alex Iwobi Amid Social Media Storm After Nigeria Final Loss

• Alex Iwobi hit the headlines after Nigeria's loss to Ivory Coast
• Fulham have expressed their support for their midfielder
• Iwobi and Nigeria lost their fifth AFCON final on Sunday

Nigeria suffered a painful defeat in the final of the 2023 AFCON against Ivory Coast on Sunday, February 11.

After the game, midfielder Alex Iwobi, was targeted with abuse on social media, forcing him to delete most of his social media posts.

His club, Fulham, posted a photo of Iwobi and his teammate Clavin Bassey to support them after the online trolling.

Nigeria scored first in the final against Ivory Coast, but conceded twice in the second half, including a cheeky 80th-minute goal from Borussia Dortmund star Sebastien Haller.

The Super Eagles never looked like scoring after going behind.

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Iwobi was one of the Super Eagles' best players at the tournament, but some fans felt the former Arsenal star's display in the final did not meet expectations.

Reports have emerged that he is close to walking away from the Nigerian national team. Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was heavily criticised after Nigeria's exit at the 2021 AFCON.

The Udinese goalie has never played for the team since.

Fulham support for Alex Iwobi

A day after Nigeria's painful defeat in the final, Fulham posted a photo on their social media accounts to support their players, Iwobi and Bassey.

"Proud of Both our boys," Fulham wrote on Instagram.

Super Eagles legend Jay-Jay Okocha joined other Nigerian players to show his support for Iwobi, per Afrik Foot. Iwobi has made 63 appearances for Nigeria, but the final against Ivory Coast could be his last game for his country.

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The 27-year-old has played 21 games for the Cottagers this season and remains an important player for Marco Silva, per Transfermarkt.

Okocha message to Iwobi

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Super Eagles legend Jay-Jay Okocha defending his nephew, Iwobi, following reports of online abuse.

The 27-year-old midfielder was forced to wipe his Instagram after being targeted after Nigeria's loss to Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Iwobi featured for 79 minutes in Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat to the Elephants and was replaced by Alhassan Yusuf after a muted performance for the three-time champs.